The backlash from Australian Formula 1 fans to this year’s race cancellation could mimic that seen after Indianapolis 2005.
That is the claim of former FIA Max Mosley, who believes there are comparisons between the infamous six-car race from 15 years ago and the late decision to call off this weekend’s season-opener less than two hours before the first practice session.
In both cases, fans lost out significantly, with those at Indy booing and even seen throwing rubbish onto the track as the race progressed, while in Australia, people had travelled huge distances only to be locked out at the gates upon arrival at Albert Park.
“I think the general principle is that people can forgive you for being wrong but they can’t forgive you for being indecisive,” Mosley said, speaking to Motorsport Magazine.
“You’ve got to take a decision and the sooner you take it, the better.”
Also Read:
- Australian GP defends late call to cancel, hopes to reschedule
- Brawn defends Liberty’s handling of Australian GP after cancellation
- Red Bull teams and Racing Point wanted to proceed with Australian GP
Mosley then reflected back on the events at Indianapolis in 2005, where the seven teams using Michelin tyres couldn’t race because of safety concerns on the banking.
“[It was] one of those situations where you have to make your mind up and whatever you do, you’re going to get criticised for, but that goes with the territory.
“Obviously all big decisions are taken with insufficient information. That’s life. Think of any example you like; if you’ve got all the information the decision makes itself.
“At the time everybody’s shouting in your ear, in the end we did what we did.
“Looking back, it was 100 per cent the right thing to do even though it annoyed an awful lot of people,” Mosley added. “It’s very difficult. You’re never absolutely certain – far from it.
“There was really nothing to be done because Michelin couldn’t produce a tyre that was safe. We gave the Michelin teams three ways they could run, including going through the pit lane, all of which of course would have been a disadvantage.
“They would be looking at seventh or eighth place. I think they thought they could strong-arm us into putting in a chicane, but that was just out of the question for sporting reasons but probably more important for legal reasons.”
The fallout of that day was F1 stopped racing at Indy after 2007 and, while Australia currently has a contract until 2025, the events of this year could add to the often vocal group of those opposed to the race in Melbourne.